"Have Two Ways Out" is this year’s theme for Fire Prevention Week, which runs October 7 – 13. The theme builds on rabbits’ instinct to always have at least two exits from their underground homes leading to safety.

Fire Inspector Troy Lamerz with Brandon Fire and Emergency Services, says families who create and practice an escape plan together, with two ways out of every room if possible, have a better chance of escaping during a real fire emergency.

"An escape plan helps families respond more quickly and calmly when faced with a real fire situation," Fire Inspector Lamerz says. "When a smoke alarm sounds, everyone needs to know what to do and where to go. Planning two ways out of each room, ahead of time, greatly increases your chances of getting out without injury."

For A free home escape plan template and more family fire safety tips can be found online at the campaign website www.safeathome.ca/twowaysout.

Brandon Emergency Services has a busy week lined up:

Tuesday, October 9th: #1 Fire Hall Tours

Our Archives Committee members will be on hand to provide tours of the #1 Fire Hall located at 120 19th Street N between 1:30 and 3:30 pm to the public. Groups of 6 or more are asked to phone 729-2400 to arrange a group tour.

Wednesday, October 10th: Fire Chief for a Day

Brandon Fire & Emergency Services, Grand Valley Mutual Aid District and McDonald’s Restaurant hosts this event. One lucky Grade 4 Student from each school in the Brandon School Division as well as students from Souris, Carberry, Shilo, Wawanesa, Douglas, and Forrest will spend the entire day between the BFES #1 Fire Hall and the Manitoba Emergency Services College (see attached agenda for more details).

Thursday, October 11th: Fire Prevention Week Olympics

This year’s event will be held at Green Acres School. Four celebrity Firefighters will be teamed up with four Grade 8 Students from the participating school to take on the grueling “Fire Prevention Olympics Obstacle Course”. The celebrity Firefighters will include a member of the Brandon University Bobcats, a local media people as well as the crowd favorite – the Principal or teacher from the participating school. Four teams competing in five events, fastest time wins the gold (see attached agenda for more details).

Friday, October 12th: Home Depot Fire Safety Day

Between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. members of the Brandon Fire & Emergency Services will be on-hand at Home Depot on 18th Street N (Corral Center) to answer questions regarding fire safety and distribute Fire Prevention Week information.